retirement
“IRMAA:” A Medicare Surprise!!
“IRMAA:” A Medicare Surprise!! Have you ever been surprised by something that occurred more than a year ago, which you must now pay for? Such is the case for many Medicare beneficiaries who are affected by a Medicare provision known…
Claim Social Security at age 62? Or 67?
Deciding when to claim your Social Security benefits is often a confusing choice, which tends to make many just claim as soon as they become eligible at age 62. But what do you forfeit by claiming at age 62, versus…
Retirement planning isn’t just about the numbers!
Advice from financial experts seems to be quite plentiful on the internet, offering techniques to earnestly save so that you can retire in comfort. Such factors as “having ten times your salary,” and the so-called “4% rule” are two of…
The High Cost of Healthcare!!!
We all know that healthcare costs rise over time, especially as we age. So the news that higher Medicare premiums, deductibles, and surcharges are expected to go up over the next decade is hardly new news. But what may be…
Reminder: Social Security checks will no longer be sent via US Mail after September 30th.
The Social Security Administration has issued a warning to all those who currently receive their monthly Social Security payment by paper checks: The agency will discontinue issuing monthly SS payments by U.S. Mail after September 30, 2025. This means that…
Will I Get A 2026 Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA)?
Traditionally, as we approach the 4th quarter each year, we have come to expect the announcement of various Social Security changes for the upcoming year. Probably the most highly anticipated of these changes is the annual Cost of Living Adjustment…
Predicting 2026 COLA
In this Motley Fool article, the author indicates that the most likely case is that the 2026 Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) will be about 2.7%. That would yield only about $54 in additional monthly benefits for the average Social…
Demystifying Your Social Security Benefit
Winston Churchill famously described the Soviet Union as “a riddle inside an enigma wrapped in a mystery.” That may also be an appropriate way to describe your Social Security benefit, or so it seems when trying to understand how your…
Trouble with Medicare Expense? Here’s How to Get Help
In this Midland Daily News article, Jim Miller (AKA the “Savvy Senior”) answers a question from someone whose Mom is having trouble paying her Medicare costs. The savvy senior explains that there are several programs available to assist those who…
A Strategy to Maximize Your Social Security
This Yahoo! Finance article explains how to maximize your Social Security benefits, possible adding another $300,000 to your total lifetime benefits. It suggests that delaying up to age 70 to claim your benefits is a smart move, vs. taking a…